Lynne Waters appointed associate vice president for external affairs

HONOLULU – Lynne Waters, a communications professional with more than 30 years experience as a consultant, journalist, television host and producer and writer, has been appointed associate vice president for external affairs and university relations for the University of Hawai‘i System. She leaves her position as executive assistant for communications and community affairs for Honolulu Prosecuting Attorney Keith M. Kaneshiro to accept the university appointment.

In her new position, Waters will be responsible for strategic communications planning, community relations, creative services and marketing and brand management as they relate to advancing the university’s mission, goals and major initiatives. This includes serving as media spokesperson, enhancing communications with internal and external stakeholders, and collaborating with the UH Foundation and other university constituencies on messaging and communications.

“The University of Hawai‘i is one of, if not the, most important public institutions in our state and critical to the economic future of the islands,” said Waters. “It is an honor and a privilege to accept this appointment, and I look forward to serving the students, faculty and staff in any way possible. I’d like to thank President M.R.C. Greenwood and her leadership team for their belief in me and for this wonderful opportunity.”

Waters has worked as a media, communications and event consultant as owner of Lynne Waters Communications, providing full-service communications, event planning and political consultant expertise to a range of nonprofit, corporate and government agency clients including the Hawai‘i State Department of Education, Hina Mauka, Pu‘ulu Lapa‘au/Friends of Project HOPE, ‘Aha Punana Leo, PBS Hawai‘i and the Hawai‘i International Film Festival. Prior to starting her own company, Waters worked as a news anchor for KITV and a host and moderator for “DIALOG” on PBS Hawai‘i. She has also served as production and programming director for KGMB.

She has received numerous awards for her work as a journalist, documentary producer and writer. Her service on community boards and to civic organizations includes serving as a member of the Judicial Conduct Commission by appointment of the Chief Justice of the State of Hawai‘i and the Honolulu Police Community Foundation Board of Directors. She has previously served as host of the Kapi‘olani Children’s Miracle Network Broadcast, chair of the Hawai‘i Community Development Authority, and is a graduate of the Pacific Century Fellows Program.